SPC Donald Jarvis

2012 Honored Guest

Jarvis served from June 2007 to June 2008 as a Counter IED Explosives and Counter-Insurgency Specialist. He then served in Afghanistan from November 2011-March 2012 in Kandahar. On his second tour of duty he was on his job of removing threats from the road when his vehicle drove over an IED. He suffered an injury to his leg and a TBI (traumatic brain injury).

Donald presently resides in Massachusetts, where he works as a Veteran Burial Records Keeper and also volunteers for "Yankee Homecoming" the second oldest homecoming festival in the United States where he books and organizes the all-day-time entertainment.

PFC Cody Coopenberg

2013 Honored Guest

Coopenberg, a graduate of Holley High School, was critically injured in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on July 7, 2012.  While refueling a generator, it exploded in his face causing him to suffer third degree burns over 60% of his body, including his face, chest and arms.  Cody received treatment for his injuries, including numerous surgical procedures and physical therapy.

Cody has since retired from the military and resides in the Rochester area with his wife Hannah and their children.

SPC Danny Fittos

2013 Honored Guest

Specialist Danny Fittos was just 17 when he enrolled in the Army through his high school's future soldier program.  He graduated from West Irondequoit High School in 2009.  Since then, he's served two tours of duty overseas and re-enlisted once.  It was on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan when he was injured on May 30, 2013 when a rocket exploded.  Fittos suffered a fracture to his hip and a shrapnel wound.  He spent a few days in Germany before being transfered to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC for rehabilitation.

Danny is presently active service and is stationed at Fort Drum.

 SFC Christopher Velez

2013 Honored Guest

Sergeant First Class Velez served twice in Iraq, once with the 2-102 Infantry and with the 240th Military Police Company.  Prior to his deployment he served as Platoon Sgt. with the 222nd Military Police Company, Rochester, NY.  He is the recipient of the Purple Heart, 3 Army Commendaton Medals, and the following additonal medals: Army Achievement, Good Conduct, National Defense Service, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary, Global War on Terrorism Service; and several Ribbons.

Chris lives in Irondequoit with wife Christina and their 3 daughters.